"There's still work to be done," Johnson said from Sacramento International Aiport.

Johnson said he had the "utmost confidence" that both parties would get a deal done before the weekend.

On Wednesday, when the NBA owners rejected a bid to move the team to Seattle by a 22-8 vote, co-owner George Maloof said his family would consider its options, including retaining ownership -- but on Thursday Maloof said his intentions are to sell the team.